i really hate to extend this any more, but i have to get something off my chest.

i will start by stating my stance on novice so you know how i feel then i will give and example as to why i feel the way i do.

**6u- are 95% novice- most are just figuring out how to use their bodies- we don't need a 6u novice division.
**8u- novice is ok here to get some mat time, but don't get comfortable, challenge these kids to simply hustle and be aggressive, and to master 1 or 2 moves from each position- 8u matches are won mainly on athletic ability and aggression
**10u novice is better here for confidence than anything- let's them know that they are not alone- there are still many wrestlers who have not matured or learned enough to capture open medals, but it's ok keep trying NO ONE REMEMBERS WHO THE 2X 10U CHAMPS WERE- many have 6 more years before their bodies mature, IT WILL COME.
**12u do not baby the 12u age- be very careful not to give them a false sense of security- things only get tougher for a teenager, teach them to see their weeknesses for what they are, and challenge them to improve.
**14u novice is the worst thing to do to a wrestler-if they just started, they need to know that there is a big gap to fill, and the only way to close the gap is to work hard and push themselves, losing is not the end of the world. coming out at 14 isn't the end of the world- high school and college coaches like these kids because they don't have many bad habits that so many develop at a young age.

SORRY TO GO ON SO LONG- HERE'S MY FINAL POINTS
i saw a 14u "novice" wrestler hit a leg cradle this weekend. it's not as difficult to hit as you might think, BUT there is no reason for a wrestler to learn such a move/ let alone use it while they are still wrestling "NOVICE".

do away with 6u and 14u as a state, the last 2 novice tourneys i went to had between 400 and 600 wrestlers. seriously, we are PROTECTING these kids too much!!!